May Merek, 85, of Crystal was pronounced dead at the scene Monday after the car she was driving struck a tree, according to the Ionia County Sheriff's Office.

The crash occurred at about 8:46 a.m. near Hayes Road and Hogan Road in North Plains Township. According to police, on-scene evidence suggested the car was traveling south on Hayes Road when it left the east side roadway and hit a tree.

The vehicle's passenger, Betty Miller, 63, of Ionia, was taken to Sparrow Ionia Hospital.

Both women were wearing seat belts. Alcohol is not a factor, police added.

The accident is still under investigation. Lyons/Muir first responders, the Hubbardston Fire Department and Ionia County Central Dispatch assisted during the incident.